Bitcoin may be digital cash, but it has a lot in common with the paper currency you carry with you. Both Bitcoin and paper money can be bought, sold, and traded. And both forms of money are stored in a wallet. A Bitcoin wallet is simply a digital version.

We’ll dig deep into the nature of Bitcoin wallets below. We’ll also talk about the many options that Bitcoin users have today when choosing a Bitcoin wallet. This might seem like a confusing topic at first, if you’ve never used cryptocurrencies before. But by the end of this, you’ll be able to download your own Bitcoin wallet, and know exactly how to use it.

You can find out more and compare the different wallet providers in our list below. If you want to learn more about How to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, we recommend this guide.

What is a Bitcoin/Crypto Wallet?

What is a Bitcoin/Crypto Wallet?

Bitcoin may be digital, but it still has to be stored somewhere. Just like a leather wallet is used to keep track of your paper money, a Bitcoin wallet is a personal storage and safety tool for the Bitcoin that you own.

Each Bitcoin owner uses a piece of software to keep track of their Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. You can use your Crypto Wallet to:

Send Cryptocurrencies

Receive Cryptocurrencies

Trade Cryptocurrencies

Spend Cryptocurrencies

Withdraw Cryptocurrencies

Each Bitcoin and cryptocurrency has its own blockchain technology to register transactions. You can’t use your crypto wallet to:

To tie Bitcoin with its owner, these wallets usually have “private keys”. These keys are secret codes that link specific Bitcoin balances to specific individuals. Without the keys, this Bitcoin can’t be accessed at all. But it’s inconvenient to keep track of long alphanumeric keys, so Bitcoin wallet software does the job for us.

When you send Bitcoin to a Bitcoin wallet you own, its keys are stored there. This allows the wallet to show you how much Bitcoin is present, and to use it for any purpose you desire.

Bitcoin wallets can live on your phone or computer, for everyday use of your personal funds. They can also exist in specialised hardware devices, safely disconnected from the internet.

Bitcoin wallets can also exist on third party exchanges, like Binance, which will temporarily store your Bitcoin after you buy it, or while you’re waiting to use it for trading.

Your Cryptocurrencies are always safer in a wallet that you control, preferably on a device not connected to the internet.

Best Bitcoin and Crypto Wallet Providers

eToro

Create a Bitcoin Wallet on eToro

eToro has been one of the best exchanges for the past years. Not only they are regulated by the FCA and CySec, but eToro has a high portfolio of assets, including cryptocurrency. To summarise, eToro has been a “crypto-friendly” company for a long time, whilst offering to trade cryptocurrencies with CFD.

In 2018, however, eToro has finally launched their own Crypto wallet. That’s right, this means you can literally buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, ripple, and keep them inside your own wallet.

If you follow these steps below, you should have your cryptocurrency in no time.

Step 1: Registration

Just like most crypto wallets, creating an account with eToro is completely free.

One of the biggest attributes of eToro is their different payment methods.

They take several e-wallet FIAT providers like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill.

Choose your preferred method and the amount you want to add to your account. For new starters, we recommend a moderate investment of $250 USD.

Step 4: Buying Bitcoin

Now, as your funds have arrived on your eToro account, you can start opening a buying order.

Use the search bar on the top of the page and type in Bitcoin to see BTC to USD pairs.

Click on the ”Buy” button next to the Bitcoin Chart, and click “Open Trade” in the next screen that pops up.

Step 5: Holding BTC

Now that you have some funds in your account, you can also download the eToro wallet app on your mobile.

eToro can be used in a couple of different ways. If you want to use it to buy, send, and receive Bitcoin, you want the eToro wallet. Create your account and download the wallet to your device.

You’re now ready to send, receive, or store Bitcoin anyway you like!

Binance

Binance is the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in the world, so if you want to use Bitcoin, chances are you’ll be using it sooner or later. Let’s take a quick look at how to create your Binance account and exchange wallet.

Follow it into the Binance site. From here you’ll supply a little more information, then you’ll be able to send Bitcoin to your Binance exchange wallet.

Note: You can’t buy Bitcoin with fiat money on Binance.

Step 2 – Go to “Funds” > “Balances”

Here you’ll see all of your Binance wallets.

Anytime you buy a coin on Binance, it will be delivered to its respective wallet.

Wallets with balances will appear at the top of the screen. Send Bitcoin to the address you see after clicking “deposit”, and you’ll have Bitcoin on Binance for all your trading needs.

Coinbase

Coinbase is a great place to buy Bitcoin for the first time, because they let you use bank transfer, debit card, and credit card. Creating a Coinbase wallet is about as easy as opening your first Facebook account. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Create Your Coinbase Account.

Go to Coinbase.com and sign up for a new account as an individual.

Give your first and last name, your email address, and your new password.

Go to your email and click the link inside when you find the new message from Coinbase.

This will lead you into the site.

Step 2: Find Your Bitcoin Wallet.

Click on “wallets” and you’ll see your Bitcoin wallet (as well as the other wallets for the rest of the coins sold on Coinbase).

Click it and you’ll see a screen like the one above.

You can send Bitcoin from “my wallet” to any other wallet you control, or to which you have the address.

Exodus Wallet

Exodus wallet is a piece of software that lives on your computer. All you have to do is download it and set it up and you’ll be ready to store Bitcoin here. Follow these steps to do just that.

Step 1: Download Exodus.

Go to Exodus.io and download the desktop wallet (Exodus is not currently available for mobile). Install it just as you would any other desktop application.

Step 2: Open Your Exodus Bitcoin Wallet.

As you can see above, Exodus can hold all kinds of cryptocurrencies. To use it for Bitcoin, just click the “wallet” tab on the right, and then click the “Bitcoin” wallet. You’re now ready to use the Bitcoin Exodus wallet.

Infinito Wallet

The Infinito Wallet is used to hold all kinds of cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin. Use it if you want an easy one-stop storage shop for all of your portfolio. Infinito wallet is also very convenient and well designed. Here’s how to get it.

Step 1: Download Infinito Wallet

Go to Infinitowallet.io and click “download” as seen in the image above. Select the right file for the device you’ll be using. Once the file is downloaded, install it just as you would any other application. Once it’s set up, open it up.

Step 2: Go to the Bitcoin Wallet already within Infinito

You’ve already got a Bitcoin wallet once you open Infinito. It’ll have your address, to which you can send any amount of Bitcoin.

Blockchain.info

Formerly Blockchain.info, the Blockchain.com Bitcoin wallet is one of the most convenient web wallets in the space. Create an account fast and have secure access to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies whenever and wherever you need.

Step 1: Create a Blockchain.com Wallet

Go to Blockchain.com and create a new wallet by submitting your email, choosing a new password, and clicking the link in the email Blockchain.com sends you.

Step 2: Find Your Bitcoin Wallet Inside Blockchain.com.

Click on “Wallet” at the top of the page. This will take your to your Bitcoin wallet, from which all your Bitcoin business can be managed.

Best Bitcoin Wallets in Your Country

UKCanada & USAustralia

For the best Bitcoin wallet available in the UK, we’re going to have to go with one we haven’t yet mentioned: eToro.

eToro used to be a place where you could only make value speculations on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. How things have changed.

eToro is a fully licensed and regulated trading source, with a history that streches back before the time of cryptocurrency.

They’re not new to the game, and therefore have the benefit of trust and experience that few Bitcoin wallet providers can match.

Fortunately, the eToro wallet is not just for people in the UK any longer. While eToro used to be restricted in the United States, the eToro team has improved its offerings so much that they now are fully licensed in the United States.

The eToro mobile wallet app is one of the best in the business, and will work perfectly for customers in the United States and Canada.

It’s especially good for those who use eToro for other services, as it integrates with eToro’s flagship brokerage business.

Binance is definitely the best wallet solution for Australians and New Zealanders.

Though it’s not the best option for long term storage, it’s the place where Bitcoin holders will get the most mileage out of the BTC.

Users can trade Bitcoin against dozens of other world-class cryptocurrencies and altcoins on Binance.

This is a great way to get access to the global cryptocurrency scene, as Binance has business in all parts of the world.

Differences Between Exchange, Hardware and Software Crypto Wallets

Let’s go into a bit more detail about the differences between Exchange, Hardware, and Software wallets.

Exchange Wallets

The Exchange Wallet is used when someone buys Bitcoin or an Altcoin, and safely stores it within the user’s exchange account.

It’s never a good idea to store cryptocurrency on exchanges for a long time, because exchanges are routinely hacked and compromised due to the massive trading volumes they have.

Here are some good examples of Exchange wallets:

Coinbase Wallet

Binance Wallet

eToro Wallet

Hardware Wallets

Hardware wallets are physical devices designed for long term storage of cryptocurrency.

They’re safer than other kinds of wallets because they’re not connected to the internet, and thus cannot be hacked when properly used. There are only a few hardware wallet manufacturers, but all of these options are good.

Here are some good examples of Hardware wallets:

Ledger Nano S

Trezor

Bitcoin Paper Wallet

Software Wallets

Software wallets are phone or computer applications that store Bitcoin.

More secure than an exchange wallet, internet-connected software wallets are not as safe as hardware wallets, so should only be used to store Bitcoin for daily use. You wouldn’t store all the money you own in a leather wallet. Software wallets should be used the same way.

Here are some good examples of Software wallets:

Exodus Wallet

Jaxx Wallet

Bitcoin Core

Best Bitcoin Wallet on Mobile

AppleAndroidApple x Android

Best Bitcoin Wallet Apple

Your mobile Bitcoin wallet isn’t there for ultimate security; it’s there for convenience.

Therefore, we say go with the most convenient option, which for our money is blockchain.info.

There is no Apple Bitcoin wallet more user friendly than Blockchain.info, and it’s free.

Another Great option is the eToro wallet that was mentioned before. Your crypto will be safe and it’s a company with solid reputation. The only downside is that they currently hold 5-6 different crypto wallets.

Best Bitcoin Wallet Android

For Android, our vote has to be cast for Jaxx, which we’ve already mentioned in more detail above.

Although our first option is to always go with a regulated wallet like eToro, that will allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies without any issues, we also recommend Jaxx for new users.

Not only is it secure and convenient, it supports many more coins than just Bitcoin.

You can even do basic trading within the app. If you have only one Bitcoin wallet on your Android phone, go with Jaxx.

There are tons of Bitcoin wallets for mobile devices. We’ll cut to the chase and give you the best option for Android and Apple. You can find the main differences regarding Crypto Applications below:

Apple

Only works with applications made for its own software

Most Cryptocurrency apps and wallets are instantly banned on the Apple store due to violations of T&C

All app publishers need to be identified and cannot be anonymous

Android

You can run any application on Android

You will find any app on the Play store, even the ones that are scams

You can run crypto mining applications and scripts on your device

As you can tell by now, you have dozens and dozens of options when it comes to choosing a good Bitcoin wallet. As long as you choose one that has excellent security and a good user interface, you should have no problems. When choosing a wallet, always see what other users have to say, using independent comments and reviews from third party forums, like Reddit and BitcoinTalk Forum. Keep your keys to yourself and guard your passwords, and you should never lose access to your precious Bitcoin. Keep it safe for the long term, and you could have an incredible investment on your hands. Good luck!

FAQ

Can I store all my cryptocurrencies in the same wallet?

Yes. If you choose a wallet like Jaxx of Exodus, you’ll find that most cryptocurrencies you’re interested in buying are supported. There will be a different address for every coin (make sure never to send a coin to the wrong coin address!), but each coin will be supported in the same convenient user interface.

Can I send Bitcoin to a Ripple or Ethereum wallet address?

Absolutely not! This will result in the loss of your funds, so make sure never to send one coin to the address of another coin type. Bitcoin to Bitcoin addresses. Ethereum to Ethereum addresses. Ripple to Ripple addresses. Some ERC20 tokens (tokens created using Ethereum) can be sent to Ethereum addresses, but this is an exception that you’ll learn when you get deeper into this discipline. For now, keep it simple and send specific coin types to specific wallet type addresses.

What is the best Way to keep my Cryptocurrencies safely stored?

The best way to store your cryptocurrency safely is to use a hardware wallet or other “cold” (offline) solution. Even a paper wallet is safer than a software wallet that’s running on an internet-connected computer, as the latter could theoretically be hacked. A device with no internet connection can’t be hacked through the internet.

Can I convert Bitcoin to FIAT currency on my wallet?

On certain wallets, like the Coinbase wallet, you can trade fiat currency for Bitcoin, and vice versa. These are specially licensed and regulated wallets, and typically are associated with a specific exchange. This is not the norm.

Can I link my credit card to my bitcoin wallet?

On specifically licensed and regulated wallets, like those belonging to eToro and Coinbase, you can pay for Bitcoin with credit card. This is not normally available through software and hardware wallets.